Learning Remotely

For Spring Quarter 2020, which starts on April 6th, the University will be providing course instruction remotely. As instructors and others are working hard to move their content online and adapt their pedagogy, remote learners also need to prepare to access and make the most of this new format for instruction.

Below on this page, there are sections with links to support remote learning for students with disabilities and for international students where time-zone differences create particular challenges. Links to Title IX resources and other student services are also provided, as well as information on national and international crisis resources.

• On the “Getting Started” page you will find basic information on tools that will be used in spring Instruction and how to access training.
• On the “Learning Practices” page you will find information you may find useful in developing your learning strategy for remote instruction.
• The “Tutoring” page has a growing aggregation of links to supports for learning.
• On the “Other Learning Resources” page includes general resources to support you and opportunities for learning outside the classroom.

We understand there are personal, logistical, and financial challenges to these extraordinary measures. University leadership and your academic units are here to support you. Please look for communications and instructions from your home unit. To ask questions and request support, please contact us.

Health and Well-being

Many students might be facing a prolonged period of isolation. Help can be found at the Student Health & Counseling Services website. Additional resources can be found at spring2020.uchicago.edu/student-resources/.

Learning and teaching remotely will also involve considerable time on computers or other devices. We should all work to prevent eye strain, backaches and other issues that can arise. Tips on wellness and telework can be found here.

The National Eye Institute (NEI) recommended the 20-20-20 rule for people who spend a lot of time working on computers: Every 20 minutes look 20 feet away for 20 seconds. Find more information on the NEI Facebook page.

In addition, the following National Institutes of Health sites provide helpful wellness tools. https://www.nih.gov/health-information/physical-wellness-toolkit

Students with Disabilities

Student Disability Services (SDS) works in collaboration with the University of Chicago faculty and staff to provide resources, support, and accommodations to ensure that all aspects of student life are accessible and inclusive of persons with disabilities. SDS staff work with students on an individual basis to determine reasonable accommodations to facilitate equitable access to learning and student life. For more information, please visit Student Disability Services and check back frequently for updates.

Please note that during this time SDS is fully operational in a virtual environment and they remain available for intake appointments with students via telephone, FaceTime and/or Zoom. For information on using accommodations, go to disabilities.uchicago.edu/students/using-accommodations/.

International Students

The Office of International Affairs provides advising services and supportive programming to the international community at the University of Chicago. OIA remains open to serving the international student and scholar community at the University of Chicago virtually. If you need to have documents shipped to you, please complete a request on the OIA website.

OIA’s website has a link to answers to frequently asked immigration-related questions specific to the University’s need to adopt procedures and policies to address the significant public health concerns associated with COVID-19. OIA will continue to update this page with immigration-related questions as they come up. If students have other questions and concerns, please email your designated OIA adviser. OIA will answer all email and telephone inquiries as quickly as possible.

Title IX Guidance for Remote Learning

Members of the University community cannot thrive unless each is accepted as an autonomous individual and is treated without regard to characteristics irrelevant to participation in the life of the University. Equal Opportunity Programs (EOP) provides leadership in specific areas that support this mission, including efforts to address sexual misconduct and discriminatory harassment, ensuring accessibility, and coordinating efforts to provide equal employment opportunities to all employees, applicants, and job seekers.

EOP is fully operational in the virtual environment and all EOP staff are available to assist members of the community.

Student Services

The University of Chicago provides comprehensive resources for students at spring2020.uchicago.edu/student-resources/. All students should visit the site for updated information about the many services, offices, individuals, and resources available to them during this time. College students can visit college.uchicago.edu/spring2020 for information and resources dedicated to helping College students navigate the impact of COVID-19 on spring break and Spring quarter.

Students experiencing financial challenges should first contact their Dean of Students or see the guidance at college.uchicago.edu/spring2020#FinancialAid. Emergency Assistance Programs are offered by the Bursar’s Office.